Jun 8, 2012

For Hungry Kids, USDA Keeps Free and Reduced School Meals Going Through the Summer at Special Locations

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. government would continue to provide free and reduced school meals so that needy children could have regular, healthy meals. During the school year, the federal government assists with providing an estimated 21 million children with food aid for breakfast and lunch. The USDA's Summer Food Service Program has teamed with state agencies, schools, food aid NGOs, faith and community groups to continue providing food through the summer months when school is not in session. This summer school meal program is administered through the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service(FNS).

Summer 2011 was the first time the USDA provided summer school meals. Overall, the USDA spent US$373 million and fed approximately 2.3 million children.For more see: